Kaping,
Dennis “Ollie”
Age 71 of White Bear Township
Preceded in death by parents, Harold and Delores. Survived by wife, Barb and son, Jason (Mollie) of St. Paul. Also survived by brothers, Allan (Delores) of Apple Valley and Randy (Nancy) of White Bear Lake, and nephews and a niece. Mass on Friday (12/21) at noon, at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, with one hour of visitation prior. Reception to follow directly after Mass. Memorials are preferred.



Life Story of Dennis “Ollie” Kaping

Dennis John Kaping was born on February 15, 1947 and was raised in the Rice street area of Minnesota. He was the oldest of 3 boys born to Harold and Delores. When he was 3 years old, his younger brother Allan was born. While his Mother was in the hospital recovering, Aunt Leona came to help out his Dad at home. Dennis really missed his Mom while she was gone and was crying, Aunt Leona said to him “Your Mom will be home tomorrow with your new Brother, won’t that be nice?” Dennis responded with “I’d rather have a pony!”

He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1965 and then upon graduating joined the US Navy as a weatherman. He served in the Navy for 4 years which included the 1 year he spent in Guam. After Dennis was discharged from the Navy, he worked various jobs until he started at The John Roberts Company pulling inventory for Deluxe Check. Little did he know that this is where he would meet his future Wife Barb. In 1975 Dennis and Barb got married and they welcomed their son, Jason in 1982.

When Jason was little Dennis loved coaching some of the grade school sports teams he was on. This was a perfect opportunity for Dennis because he loved all sports and played many which included: Baseball (even pitching a couple of no hitters) Basketball, Golf, Broomball, and Softball. Dennis was always a very social, outgoing guy who had a great sense of humor. He had many friends which included his best buddy, Ken “Tweet” Florian, his brother Randy, and many others that were part of a fantasy football league for 40 plus years.

Dennis worked in the printing industry until he retired at the age of 62. After retirement Dennis and Barb loved traveling down to Arizona where they would rest and relax as well as visit relatives. He loved to watch movies with Barb, go to the local coffee shop to read the sports page of the paper, and taking long walks in their White Bear Township neighborhood. In the months of September and October, Dennis could be found as early as 5:30 AM at St. Jerome’s church for their annual Booya. This was his absolute favorite and always wanted to make sure he was guaranteed to get some. More than anything though, he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially Barb, Jason, Mollie and Grand-dog Harlan. He would visit his Mom twice a week at her assisted living facility before her death in May of this year. Dennis was a loving and caring Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and Friend to many. He will be missed for his sense of humor, storytelling abilities, and most of all his big heart.